HB 2510 Summary

• Establishes strict requirements for waiving counsel in juvenile proceedings, including that waiver must occur in presence of counsel, be executed in writing on the record in open court, and be in a language the juvenile understands.

• Requires courts to conduct full inquiry into juvenile's comprehension and capacity to waive counsel knowingly and intelligently, and mandates appointment of stand-by counsel.

• Provides juveniles opportunity to revoke counsel waiver at the start of each substantive court proceeding after initial waiver.

• Requires detention risk assessment instrument within 24 hours for juveniles charged with non-dangerous offenses listed in section 13-501 to determine if they pose substantial risk of harm or flight risk before detaining in juvenile detention center.

• Adds detention risk assessment results and preponderance of evidence standard regarding risk of harm or flight risk to factors courts must consider when deciding whether to detain charged juveniles in juvenile or adult facilities.

• Requires courts to review appropriateness of juvenile detention placement at any pretrial conferences.